JPH09237633A - Fuel cell and separator used in this fuel cell - Google Patents
Fuel cell and separator used in this fuel cellInfo
- Publication number
- JPH09237633A JPH09237633A JP8041204A JP4120496A JPH09237633A JP H09237633 A JPH09237633 A JP H09237633A JP 8041204 A JP8041204 A JP 8041204A JP 4120496 A JP4120496 A JP 4120496A JP H09237633 A JPH09237633 A JP H09237633A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- separator
- heat insulating
- fuel cell
- gas
- active material
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は燃料ガスを利用して
発電する燃料電池及びこれに使用するセパレータに関す
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fuel cell that uses fuel gas to generate electricity and a separator used for the fuel cell.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】近年、水素ガス等の燃料ガスを活物質と
して用いて発電する燃料電池の開発が盛んに進められて
いる。燃料電池の基本原理を水素ガスを活物質として用
いた場合を例にとって説明する。図５に示す様に、正極
及び負極を構成する一対の電極板１００により、固定高
分子電解質２００が挟持されている。負極活物質となる
水素ガスが負極に供給され、正極活物質となる酸素を含
む空気が正極に供給される。2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a fuel cell for generating electricity using a fuel gas such as hydrogen gas as an active material has been actively developed. The basic principle of the fuel cell will be described by taking as an example the case where hydrogen gas is used as an active material. As shown in FIG. 5, a fixed polymer electrolyte 200 is sandwiched by a pair of electrode plates 100 that form a positive electrode and a negative electrode. Hydrogen gas serving as the negative electrode active material is supplied to the negative electrode, and air containing oxygen serving as the positive electrode active material is supplied to the positive electrode.
【０００３】負極では、Ｈ2 →２Ｈ+ ＋２ｅ- の反応が
生じ、水素が電子を放出して水素イオンとなると共に、
負極側の水素イオンは固定高分子電解質２００を移動し
て正極に向かうと共に、放出された電子が外部電気回路
を経て正極に移動する。これにより直流電気を発電する
機能が得られる。ところで燃料電池によれば、正極活物
質を含む酸化ガスが通る第１ガス通路３０１と、負極活
物質を含む燃料ガスとしての水素ガスが通る第２ガス通
路３０２とを仕切る必要がある。そのため上記した燃料
電池によれば、電極板１００に接触して使用され電極板
１００に対して集電機能をもつと共に、ガス分離機能を
もつセパレータ３００が採用されている。At the negative electrode, a reaction of H 2 → 2H + + 2e − occurs, and hydrogen releases electrons to become hydrogen ions, and at the same time,
The hydrogen ions on the negative electrode side move through the fixed polymer electrolyte 200 toward the positive electrode, and the emitted electrons move to the positive electrode through an external electric circuit. This provides the function of generating direct current electricity. According to the fuel cell, it is necessary to partition the first gas passage 301 through which the oxidizing gas containing the positive electrode active material passes and the second gas passage 302 through which hydrogen gas as the fuel gas containing the negative electrode active material passes. Therefore, according to the fuel cell described above, the separator 300 is used which is used in contact with the electrode plate 100 and has a current collecting function for the electrode plate 100 and a gas separating function.
【０００４】上記セパレータ３００は集電性を確保すべ
く、導電率が良好な緻密質カーボンやチタン系合金ある
いはステンレス鋼系の導電材料で形成されている。The separator 300 is formed of a dense carbon, a titanium-based alloy, or a stainless steel-based conductive material having a good electric conductivity in order to secure the current collecting property.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】セパレータ３００を構
成する導電材料は導電率が良好であり、従って熱伝導率
も高いものである。ところで燃料電池の内部はジュール
等の影響で熱を帯びるため、燃料電池の内部は高温状態
となる。そのため上記した様に導電率が良好であるため
熱伝導率が高いセパレータ３００を介して、放熱が起こ
り易いものである。従って、燃料電池の内部と外縁部と
で温度差が大きくなる。故に、燃料ガスや空気に固体高
分子分解質２００の加湿用として含ませている水蒸気な
どの影響で、温度が低下する外縁部付近において結露が
生じる問題がある。結露が生じると、活物質となる燃料
ガスや空気の均一通過性が阻害され、素子の反応領域が
小さくなり、素子の特性が低下する。The conductive material forming the separator 300 has good conductivity, and therefore high thermal conductivity. By the way, since the inside of the fuel cell is heated due to the influence of joules or the like, the inside of the fuel cell is in a high temperature state. Therefore, as described above, since the electric conductivity is good, heat radiation is likely to occur through the separator 300 having a high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the temperature difference between the inside and the outer edge of the fuel cell becomes large. Therefore, there is a problem that dew condensation occurs near the outer edge portion where the temperature decreases due to the influence of water vapor or the like included in the fuel gas or air for humidifying the solid polymer decomposing material 200. When dew condensation occurs, the uniform passage of fuel gas or air, which is an active material, is hindered, the reaction region of the device becomes small, and the device characteristics deteriorate.
【０００６】そのため、素子毎の結露量の多少により、
素子間に特性のバラツキが生じる等の問題が発生するた
め、燃料電池の性能確保の面では好ましくない。本発明
は上記した実情に鑑みなされたものであり、外部への放
熱性を抑えるのに有利であり、セパレータからの放熱に
起因した結露を抑制するのに貢献でき、発電むらの低減
に有利な燃料電池及びこれに使用するセパレータを提供
することを課題とする。Therefore, depending on the amount of dew condensation on each element,
Since problems such as variations in characteristics occur between the elements, it is not preferable in terms of ensuring the performance of the fuel cell. The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, is advantageous in suppressing the heat dissipation to the outside, can contribute to suppress the condensation due to heat dissipation from the separator, it is advantageous in reducing power generation unevenness. An object is to provide a fuel cell and a separator used for the fuel cell.
【０００７】[0007]
【課題を解決するための手段】本発明の燃料電池は、正
極及び負極を構成する一対の電極板と一対の電極板に挟
持された電解質相とからなり厚み方向に積層される複数
個の素子と、隣設する素子間に電極板に接触して配置さ
れ、電極板に対して集電機能をもつと共に、正極活物質
を含む酸化ガスが通る第１ガス通路と負極活物質を含む
燃料ガスが通る第２ガス通路とを仕切るガス分離機能と
をもつセパレータとを具備する燃料電池であって、セパ
レータは、電極板に接触すると共に導電材料で形成され
たセパレータ本体と、セパレータ本体の外縁部に一体に
保持された断熱材料で形成された断熱部とで構成されて
いることを特徴とするものである。A fuel cell of the present invention comprises a plurality of elements which are laminated in the thickness direction and which are composed of a pair of electrode plates constituting a positive electrode and a negative electrode and an electrolyte phase sandwiched between the pair of electrode plates. And a fuel gas containing a negative electrode active material and a first gas passage which is arranged between adjacent elements in contact with the electrode plate and has a current collecting function with respect to the electrode plate and through which an oxidizing gas containing a positive electrode active material passes. A separator having a gas separation function for partitioning a second gas passage through which the separator passes, wherein the separator is in contact with the electrode plate and is formed of a conductive material; and a separator main body, and an outer edge portion of the separator main body. And a heat insulating portion formed of a heat insulating material that is held integrally with the heat insulating material.
【０００８】本発明の燃料電池に使用するセパレータ
は、電極板に対して集電機能をもつと共に、正極活物質
を含む酸化ガスが通る第１ガス通路と負極活物質を含む
燃料ガスが通る第２ガス通路とを仕切るガス分離機能と
をもつセパレータであって、電極板に接触すると共に導
電材料で形成されたセパレータ本体と、セパレータ本体
の外縁部に一体に保持された断熱材料で形成された断熱
部とで構成されていることを特徴とするものである。The separator used in the fuel cell of the present invention has a current collecting function for the electrode plate, a first gas passage through which an oxidizing gas containing a positive electrode active material passes and a first gas passage through which a fuel gas containing a negative electrode active material passes. A separator having a gas separation function of partitioning two gas passages, the separator main body being in contact with an electrode plate and formed of a conductive material, and the heat insulating material integrally held at an outer edge portion of the separator main body. It is characterized by comprising a heat insulating part.
【０００９】請求項３に係るセパレータによれば、請求
項２において、セパレータ本体と断熱部との間には、空
気断熱層として機能する空気層が配置されていることを
特徴とするものである。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, an air layer functioning as an air heat insulating layer is arranged between the separator body and the heat insulating portion. .
【００１０】[0010]
【発明の実施の形態】本発明に係る燃料電池によれば、
正極活物質を含む酸化ガスが通る第１ガス通路と、負極
活物質を含む燃料ガスが通る第２ガス通路とがセパレー
タで仕切られる。セパレータは、上記したガス分離機能
をもつと共に、更に電極板に対して電荷を集める集電機
能をもつ。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION According to the fuel cell of the present invention,
The first gas passage through which the oxidizing gas containing the positive electrode active material passes and the second gas passage through which the fuel gas containing the negative electrode active material passes are separated by the separator. The separator has the above-mentioned gas separation function, and further has a current collecting function of collecting electric charges to the electrode plate.
【００１１】セパレータとしては、電極板に接触される
と共に導電材料で形成されたセパレータ本体と、セパレ
ータ本体の外縁部に一体に保持された断熱材料で形成さ
れた断熱部とで構成されている。セパレータ本体を構成
する導電材料は、導電性が良好なる金属系や炭素系で形
成できる。断熱部を構成する断熱材料は、発泡体でも非
発泡体でも良く、具体的には樹脂等を採用できる。セパ
レータ本体と断熱部とを一体的にする手段としては、接
着剤による接着方式、溶着方式、インサート成形方式等
を採用できる。The separator is composed of a separator body which is in contact with the electrode plate and is made of a conductive material, and a heat insulating portion which is integrally held at the outer edge of the separator body and is made of a heat insulating material. The conductive material forming the separator body can be formed of metal or carbon having good conductivity. The heat insulating material forming the heat insulating portion may be foamed or non-foamed, and specifically, resin or the like can be adopted. As a means for integrally forming the separator body and the heat insulating portion, a bonding method using an adhesive, a welding method, an insert molding method, or the like can be adopted.
【００１２】[0012]
【実施例】以下、本発明の実施例を図１〜図３を参照し
て説明する。図１（Ａ）はセパレータ２を示し、図１
（Ｂ）は素子１を示す。図２は本実施例の燃料電池の要
部断面を示す。更に図３は要部構成の分解斜視図を示
す。図３のＡ−Ａ線矢視図が図２に対応するものであ
る。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1A shows the separator 2, and FIG.
(B) shows the element 1. FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the main part of the fuel cell of this example. Further, FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a main part configuration. The view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3 corresponds to FIG.
【００１３】本実施例の燃料電池によれば、図１（Ｂ）
に示す様に燃料電池を構成する単電池を構成する素子１
は、正極及び負極を構成する一対の電極板１０と、一対
の電極板１０に挟持された電解質相１４とからなる。電
解質相１４はイオン伝導性をもつ固体電解質膜で形成さ
れている。図１（Ａ）に示す様に、本実施例を特徴づけ
るセパレータ２は、セパレータ本体２０と、セパレータ
本体２０の外縁部に一体に保持された断熱材料としての
樹脂で形成された断熱部２２とで構成されている。According to the fuel cell of this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in Fig. 1, an element 1 that constitutes a unit cell that constitutes a fuel cell
Is composed of a pair of electrode plates 10 constituting a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and an electrolyte phase 14 sandwiched between the pair of electrode plates 10. The electrolyte phase 14 is formed of a solid electrolyte membrane having ionic conductivity. As shown in FIG. 1 (A), a separator 2 characterizing the present embodiment includes a separator body 20 and a heat insulating portion 22 formed integrally with an outer edge portion of the separator body 20 and made of resin as a heat insulating material. It is composed of.
【００１４】セパレータ本体２０の一面側は、負極とな
る電極板１０に接触する。またセパレータ本体２０の他
面側は、正極となる電極板１０に接触する。故にセパレ
ータ２のセパレータ本体２０は、電極板１０から電荷を
集める集電機能をもつ。更にセパレータ本体２０は集電
機能の他に、ガス分離機能をもつ。即ち図２から理解で
きる様に、正極活物質を含む酸化ガスつまり酸素を含む
空気が通る第１ガス通路３１と、負極活物質を含む燃料
ガスとしての水素ガスが通る第２ガス通路３２とを、セ
パレータ２の表裏で仕切っている。従ってセパレータ本
体２０はガス非透過性が高い材質で形成する必要があ
る。One side of the separator body 20 is in contact with the electrode plate 10 serving as a negative electrode. The other surface side of the separator body 20 contacts the electrode plate 10 serving as a positive electrode. Therefore, the separator body 20 of the separator 2 has a current collecting function of collecting electric charges from the electrode plate 10. Further, the separator body 20 has a gas separating function in addition to the current collecting function. That is, as can be understood from FIG. 2, the first gas passage 31 through which the oxidizing gas containing the positive electrode active material, that is, the air including oxygen passes, and the second gas passage 32 through which the hydrogen gas as the fuel gas containing the negative electrode active material passes. , The front and back of the separator 2 are partitioned. Therefore, the separator body 20 needs to be formed of a material having high gas impermeability.
【００１５】図１（Ａ）から理解できる様に、セパレー
タ本体２０にはこれの厚み方向に貫通する水素ガス入口
３４及び水素ガス出口３３が形成されている。図２から
理解できる様に、厚み方向に積層されて隣設されたセパ
レータ２同志によれば、隣設する水素ガス入口３４は互
いに対面しており、隣設する水素ガス出口３３も互いに
対面している。As can be understood from FIG. 1 (A), the separator body 20 is provided with a hydrogen gas inlet 34 and a hydrogen gas outlet 33 penetrating in the thickness direction thereof. As can be understood from FIG. 2, according to the separators 2 that are stacked in the thickness direction and adjacent to each other, the adjacent hydrogen gas inlets 34 face each other, and the adjacent hydrogen gas outlets 33 also face each other. ing.
【００１６】図１（Ａ）から理解できる様に、断熱部２
２は、セパレータ本体２０の外縁部を接合状態で挟持す
る第１断熱部２２ａ及び第２断熱部２２ｂとで構成され
ている。具体的には第１断熱部２２ａ及び第２断熱部２
２ｂを構成する樹脂としては、ポリカーボネイト、ポリ
アセタール、シリコーン、発泡ウレタン等を採用でき
る。第１断熱部２２ａ及び第２断熱部２２ｂは、接着剤
による接着方式、超音波振動による振動溶着方式で互い
に接合されている。As can be understood from FIG. 1 (A), the heat insulating portion 2
2 is composed of a first heat insulating portion 22a and a second heat insulating portion 22b that sandwich the outer edge portion of the separator body 20 in a joined state. Specifically, the first heat insulating portion 22a and the second heat insulating portion 2
As the resin constituting 2b, polycarbonate, polyacetal, silicone, urethane foam, etc. can be adopted. The first heat insulating portion 22a and the second heat insulating portion 22b are joined to each other by a bonding method using an adhesive or a vibration welding method using ultrasonic vibration.
【００１７】図１（Ａ）から理解できる様に、セパレー
タ本体２０と断熱部２２との間には空気層２２ｋが形成
されている。空気層２２ｋは断熱部２２の内部に埋設さ
れている。空気層２２ｋは空気断熱層として機能できる
ため、セパレータ本体２０側の熱が外部に放熱されるこ
とを抑制するのに有利である。図２から理解できる様
に、セパレータ２はゴム製の第１シール材６１及び第２
シール６２で気密にシールされており、上記水素ガス等
の耐漏れ性が確保されている。As can be understood from FIG. 1 (A), an air layer 22k is formed between the separator body 20 and the heat insulating portion 22. The air layer 22k is embedded inside the heat insulating portion 22. Since the air layer 22k can function as an air heat insulating layer, it is advantageous in suppressing the heat on the separator body 20 side from being radiated to the outside. As can be understood from FIG. 2, the separator 2 includes a rubber-made first seal material 61 and a second seal material 61.
The seal 62 is hermetically sealed to ensure the leak resistance of the hydrogen gas and the like.
【００１８】図３に示す様にセパレータ２は角板状をな
し、水素ガス入口３４及び水素ガス出口３３の他に、空
気供給口７０及び空気排出口７１が形成されている。空
気供給口７０から供給された空気は、前記した第１ガス
通路３１を通過して空気排出口７１から排出される。更
にセパレータ２には、燃料電池内に冷却水を通水するた
めの冷却水入口７３及び冷却水出口７４が形成されてい
る。As shown in FIG. 3, the separator 2 is in the shape of a rectangular plate, and in addition to the hydrogen gas inlet 34 and the hydrogen gas outlet 33, an air supply port 70 and an air exhaust port 71 are formed. The air supplied from the air supply port 70 passes through the first gas passage 31 and is discharged from the air discharge port 71. Further, the separator 2 is provided with a cooling water inlet 73 and a cooling water outlet 74 for passing cooling water into the fuel cell.
【００１９】図３に示す様に、第１断熱部２２ａは角枠
状をなし、セパレータ２が対面する開口２２ｎをもつ。
第２断熱部２２ｂは角枠状をなし、セパレータ２が対面
する開口２２ｍをもつ。第１シール材６１は角枠状をな
し、セパレータ２が対面する開口６１ｎをもつ。第２シ
ール材６２は角枠状をなし、セパレータ２が対面する開
口６２ｎをもつ。図３に示す様に、ガス流出口４１は第
１通路形成部材４に形成されている。ガス流入口５１は
第２通路形成部材５に形成されている。As shown in FIG. 3, the first heat insulating portion 22a has a rectangular frame shape and has an opening 22n facing the separator 2.
The second heat insulating portion 22b has a rectangular frame shape, and has an opening 22m facing the separator 2. The first sealing material 61 is in the shape of a rectangular frame and has an opening 61n facing the separator 2. The second sealing material 62 has a rectangular frame shape, and has an opening 62n facing the separator 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the gas outlet 41 is formed in the first passage forming member 4. The gas inlet 51 is formed in the second passage forming member 5.
【００２０】図２に示す様に燃料電池の積層方向の外面
側には、樹脂製の電気絶縁板８０を介してプレッシャプ
レート８１（図２では積層方向の片側のみ図示）が装着
されている。プレッシャプレート８１は、燃料電池にお
ける積層方向の端部を構成する。図略のボルト部材が締
結されると、プレッシャプレート８１は燃料電池の内部
の各要素に密着力を与える。従って隣設する各断熱部２
２は、互いに密着する。これにより各セパレータ本体２
０は電極板１０に密着しており、電極板１０に対する密
接性ひいては集電性が確保される。燃料電池において積
層方向の最も外側のセパレータ２のセパレータ本体２０
は、電気を取り出す端子板Ｍａとされる。この端子板Ｍ
ａには、図略の電気取出外部端子が設けられている。な
おプレッシャプレート８１で密接された各断熱部２２
は、燃料電池の外郭を構成するハウジングとしても機能
できる。As shown in FIG. 2, a pressure plate 81 (only one side in the stacking direction is shown in FIG. 2) is mounted on the outer surface side in the stacking direction of the fuel cell via an electric insulating plate 80 made of resin. The pressure plate 81 constitutes an end portion in the stacking direction of the fuel cell. When a bolt member (not shown) is fastened, the pressure plate 81 gives an adhesive force to each element inside the fuel cell. Therefore, each adjacent heat insulating unit 2
2 are in close contact with each other. As a result, each separator body 2
0 is in close contact with the electrode plate 10, and the close contact with the electrode plate 10 and thus the current collecting property is secured. Separator body 20 of the outermost separator 2 in the stacking direction in the fuel cell
Is a terminal board Ma for taking out electricity. This terminal board M
An unillustrated electrical extraction external terminal is provided at a. In addition, each heat insulating portion 22 closely contacted by the pressure plate 81.
Can also function as a housing that forms the outer shell of the fuel cell.
【００２１】プレッシャプレート８１の供給口８１ｕか
ら、水素ガスが燃料電池内に供給される。図２から理解
できる様に、隣設する各水素ガス入口３４は互いに対面
しているため、燃料電池内で水素ガスは各素子１に分配
される。更に水素ガスは、ガス流入口５１を通過し、セ
パレータ本体２０で仕切られた第２ガス通路３２に流入
する。さらに水素ガスはガス流出口４１から水素ガス出
口３３側に流出される。図２から理解できる様に、隣設
する水素ガス出口３３は互いに対面しているため、水素
ガス出口３３を介して水素ガスは各素子１から流出され
る。Hydrogen gas is supplied into the fuel cell from the supply port 81u of the pressure plate 81. As can be understood from FIG. 2, since the adjacent hydrogen gas inlets 34 face each other, hydrogen gas is distributed to each element 1 in the fuel cell. Further, the hydrogen gas passes through the gas inlet 51 and flows into the second gas passage 32 partitioned by the separator body 20. Further, the hydrogen gas flows out from the gas outlet 41 to the hydrogen gas outlet 33 side. As can be understood from FIG. 2, since the adjacent hydrogen gas outlets 33 face each other, hydrogen gas flows out of each element 1 via the hydrogen gas outlets 33.
【００２２】この様な本実施例においても、従来技術と
して説明した様に、水素ガスが負極活物質として機能す
ると共に、酸素を含む空気が正極活物質として機能し、
発電が行われる。発電の際には燃料電池の内部が熱を帯
びる。以上説明した様に本実施例によれば、セパレータ
２は、ステンレス鋼等を基材とする導電材料で形成され
たセパレータ本体２０と、セパレータ本体２０の外縁部
に一体に保持された断熱材料で形成された断熱部２２と
で構成されている。Also in this embodiment, as described in the prior art, hydrogen gas functions as the negative electrode active material, and oxygen-containing air functions as the positive electrode active material.
Power is generated. The interior of the fuel cell is heated during power generation. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the separator 2 is composed of the separator body 20 formed of a conductive material such as stainless steel as a base material and the heat insulating material integrally held at the outer edge of the separator body 20. The heat insulating part 22 is formed.
【００２３】そのため導電率が良好な導電材料でセパレ
ータ本体２０が形成されていても、セパレータ本体２０
の外縁部には断熱部２２が保持されているため、断熱部
２２の断熱作用により、セパレータ２に起因する外部へ
の放熱性が抑えられる。そのため燃料電池における温度
分布のバラツキが低減され、セパレータ２からの放熱に
起因する結露を抑制するのに有利である。従って燃料電
池における各素子間の特性のバラツキ低減に有利であ
る。Therefore, even if the separator body 20 is formed of a conductive material having good conductivity, the separator body 20
Since the heat insulating portion 22 is held at the outer edge portion of, the heat insulating function of the heat insulating portion 22 suppresses heat dissipation to the outside due to the separator 2. Therefore, variations in the temperature distribution in the fuel cell are reduced, which is advantageous in suppressing dew condensation due to heat radiation from the separator 2. Therefore, it is advantageous for reducing the variation in the characteristics between the elements in the fuel cell.
【００２４】殊に本実施例によれば、セパレータ本体２
０と断熱部２２との間には、空気断熱層として機能する
空気層２２ｋが配置されているため、外部への放熱性が
一層抑えられる。なお上記した例では、断熱部２２は、
第１断熱部２２ａと第２断熱部２２ｂとでセパレータ本
体２０の外縁部を挟持する様に一体的に接合することに
より構成されているが、これに限らず、図４に示す他の
例の様に、セパレータ本体２０の外縁部を包む様に断熱
部２２を一体成形で成形することもできる。In particular, according to this embodiment, the separator body 2
Since the air layer 22k functioning as an air heat insulating layer is arranged between 0 and the heat insulating portion 22, heat dissipation to the outside is further suppressed. In the example described above, the heat insulating unit 22 is
The first heat insulating portion 22a and the second heat insulating portion 22b are integrally joined so as to sandwich the outer edge portion of the separator body 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is not limited to this. Similarly, the heat insulating portion 22 can be integrally formed so as to wrap the outer edge portion of the separator body 20.
【００２５】[0025]
【発明の効果】本発明に係る燃料電池によれば、セパレ
ータは、導電材料で形成されたセパレータ本体と、セパ
レータ本体の外縁部に一体に保持された断熱材料で形成
された断熱部とで構成されている。そのためセパレータ
本体が導電率が良好な導電材料で形成されており集電性
が良好であっても、セパレータ本体の外縁部には断熱部
が配置されているため、断熱部の断熱作用により外部へ
の放熱性が抑えられる。そのため燃料電池における温度
分布のバラツキが低減される。故に、セパレータからの
放熱に起因する結露を抑制するのに有利ある。従って燃
料電池における発電むらの低減に有利である。According to the fuel cell of the present invention, the separator is composed of a separator body made of a conductive material and a heat insulating portion made of a heat insulating material integrally held at the outer edge of the separator body. Has been done. Therefore, even if the separator body is made of a conductive material with good conductivity and has good current collecting properties, since the heat insulating portion is arranged at the outer edge portion of the separator body, the heat insulating function of the heat insulating portion causes the heat to flow to the outside. The heat dissipation of is suppressed. Therefore, variations in temperature distribution in the fuel cell are reduced. Therefore, it is advantageous to suppress the dew condensation due to the heat radiation from the separator. Therefore, it is advantageous for reducing the unevenness of power generation in the fuel cell.
【００２６】本発明に係るセパレータによれば、前述同
様な効果が得られる。即ち、セパレータ本体が導電率が
良好な導電材料で形成されていても、セパレータ本体の
外縁部には断熱部が配置されているため、断熱部の断熱
作用により外部への放熱性が抑えられる。そのため燃料
電池における温度分布のバラツキが低減され、セパレー
タからの放熱に起因する結露を抑制するのに有利ある。
従って燃料電池における発電むらの低減に有利である。According to the separator of the present invention, the same effects as described above can be obtained. That is, even if the separator body is made of a conductive material having good conductivity, the heat insulating portion is arranged at the outer edge portion of the separator body, so that the heat insulating function of the heat insulating portion suppresses heat radiation to the outside. Therefore, the variation in the temperature distribution in the fuel cell is reduced, which is advantageous in suppressing the dew condensation due to the heat radiation from the separator.
Therefore, it is advantageous for reducing the unevenness of power generation in the fuel cell.
【００２７】請求項３に係るセパレータによれば、セパ
レータ本体と断熱部との間には、空気断熱層として機能
する空気層が配置されているため、外部への放熱性が一
層抑えられ、温度分布の低減に一層有利である。According to the separator of the third aspect, since the air layer functioning as an air heat insulating layer is arranged between the separator body and the heat insulating portion, the heat radiation to the outside can be further suppressed, and the temperature can be reduced. It is more advantageous for reducing the distribution.
【図１】（Ａ）はセパレータを示す構成図であり、
（Ｂ）は素子の構成図である。FIG. 1A is a configuration diagram showing a separator,
(B) is a block diagram of the element.
【図２】燃料電池の要部構成を示す構成図である。FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a main configuration of a fuel cell.
【図３】燃料電池の要部構成を示す分解斜視図である。FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a main configuration of a fuel cell.
【図４】他の例に係るセパレータ本体と断熱部との境界
付近を示す構成図である。FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing the vicinity of a boundary between a separator body and a heat insulating portion according to another example.
【図５】従来技術に係る要部構成図である。FIG. 5 is a main part configuration diagram according to a conventional technique.
図中、１は素子、１０は電極板、１４は電解質相、２は
セパレータ、２０はセパレータ本体、２２は断熱部、２
２ａは第１断熱部、２２ｂは第２断熱部、２２ｋは空気
層、３１は第１ガス通路、３２は第２ガス通路を示す。In the figure, 1 is an element, 10 is an electrode plate, 14 is an electrolyte phase, 2 is a separator, 20 is a separator body, 22 is a heat insulating part, 2
2a is a first heat insulating part, 22b is a second heat insulating part, 22k is an air layer, 31 is a first gas passage, and 32 is a second gas passage.
Claims (3)
一対の電極板に挟持された電解質相とからなり厚み方向
に積層される複数個の素子と、 隣設する該素子間に該電極板に接触して配置され、該電
極板に対して集電機能をもつと共に、正極活物質を含む
酸化ガスが通る第１ガス通路と負極活物質を含む燃料ガ
スが通る第２ガス通路とを仕切るガス分離機能とをもつ
セパレータとを具備する燃料電池であって、 該セパレータは、 該電極板に接触すると共に導電材料で形成されたセパレ
ータ本体と、該セパレータ本体の外縁部に一体に保持さ
れた断熱材料で形成された断熱部とで構成されているこ
とを特徴とする燃料電池。1. A plurality of elements which are laminated in the thickness direction and which are composed of a pair of electrode plates forming a positive electrode and a negative electrode and an electrolyte phase sandwiched between the pair of electrode plates, and between the adjacent elements. A first gas passage, which is arranged in contact with the electrode plate and has a current collecting function for the electrode plate, and through which an oxidizing gas containing a positive electrode active material passes and a second gas passage through which a fuel gas containing a negative electrode active material passes. A fuel cell comprising a separator having a gas separating function for partitioning the separator, the separator being in contact with the electrode plate and being integrally held by a separator body formed of a conductive material, and an outer edge portion of the separator body. And a heat insulating part formed of the heat insulating material.
極活物質を含む酸化ガスが通る第１ガス通路と負極活物
質を含む燃料ガスが通る第２ガス通路とを仕切るガス分
離機能とをもつセパレータであって、 該電極板に接触すると共に導電材料で形成されたセパレ
ータ本体と、該セパレータ本体の外縁部に一体に保持さ
れた断熱材料で形成された断熱部とで構成されているこ
とを特徴とする燃料電池に使用するセパレータ。2. A gas separating function having a current collecting function with respect to the electrode plate and partitioning a first gas passage through which an oxidizing gas containing a positive electrode active material passes and a second gas passage through which a fuel gas containing a negative electrode active material passes. A separator body that is in contact with the electrode plate and is formed of a conductive material, and a heat insulating portion formed of a heat insulating material that is integrally held at the outer edge of the separator body. A separator used in a fuel cell, which is characterized in that
断熱部との間には、空気断熱層として機能する空気層が
配置されていることを特徴とする燃料電池に使用するセ
パレータ。3. The separator for use in a fuel cell according to claim 2, wherein an air layer functioning as an air heat insulating layer is arranged between the separator body and the heat insulating portion.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP04120496A JP3523742B2 (en) | 1996-02-28 | 1996-02-28 | Fuel cell and separator used therein |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP04120496A JP3523742B2 (en) | 1996-02-28 | 1996-02-28 | Fuel cell and separator used therein |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH09237633A true JPH09237633A (en) | 1997-09-09 |
| JP3523742B2 JP3523742B2 (en) | 2004-04-26 |
Family
ID=12601894
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP04120496A Expired - Fee Related JP3523742B2 (en) | 1996-02-28 | 1996-02-28 | Fuel cell and separator used therein |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3523742B2 (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002367624A (en) * | 2001-06-12 | 2002-12-20 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Fuel cell |
| EP1284512A2 (en) * | 2001-08-16 | 2003-02-19 | Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies, Ltd. | Bipolar plate for a fuel cell |
| WO2004006371A1 (en) * | 2002-07-03 | 2004-01-15 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Fuel cell separator and method of manufacturing the separator |
| JP2005276637A (en) * | 2004-03-25 | 2005-10-06 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Fuel cell and metallic separator for fuel cell |
| US7014939B2 (en) | 2001-01-30 | 2006-03-21 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Fuel cell and fuel cell stack |
| JP2006092773A (en) * | 2004-09-21 | 2006-04-06 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Manufacturing method for separator for fuel cell |
| JP2006092889A (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2006-04-06 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Unit fuel cell |
-
1996
- 1996-02-28 JP JP04120496A patent/JP3523742B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7014939B2 (en) | 2001-01-30 | 2006-03-21 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Fuel cell and fuel cell stack |
| US8637204B2 (en) | 2001-01-30 | 2014-01-28 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Fuel cell and fuel cell stack |
| US8097379B2 (en) | 2001-01-30 | 2012-01-17 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Fuel cell stack with insulating members |
| JP2002367624A (en) * | 2001-06-12 | 2002-12-20 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Fuel cell |
| EP1284512A2 (en) * | 2001-08-16 | 2003-02-19 | Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies, Ltd. | Bipolar plate for a fuel cell |
| EP1284512A3 (en) * | 2001-08-16 | 2006-11-08 | Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies, Ltd. | Bipolar plate for a fuel cell |
| WO2004006371A1 (en) * | 2002-07-03 | 2004-01-15 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Fuel cell separator and method of manufacturing the separator |
| CN100385722C (en) * | 2002-07-03 | 2008-04-30 | 本田技研工业株式会社 | Fuel cell separator and method of manufacturing the separator |
| JP2005276637A (en) * | 2004-03-25 | 2005-10-06 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Fuel cell and metallic separator for fuel cell |
| JP4482413B2 (en) * | 2004-09-21 | 2010-06-16 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Manufacturing method of fuel cell separator |
| JP2006092773A (en) * | 2004-09-21 | 2006-04-06 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Manufacturing method for separator for fuel cell |
| JP4482414B2 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2010-06-16 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Unit fuel cell |
| JP2006092889A (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2006-04-06 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Unit fuel cell |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3523742B2 (en) | 2004-04-26 |
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